/ ˈmɔːkɪʃ; NAmE / adjective
( disapproving ) expressing or sharing emotion in a way that is exaggerated or embarrassing
SYN sentimental :
a mawkish poem
► mawk·ish·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent. (in the sense inclined to sickness ): from obsolete mawk maggot, from Old Norse mathkr , of Germanic origin.